Janet M. Fitchen was a professor of Anthropology at Ithaca College from 1977 until her untimely passing in 1995. She gained national recognition for her research on rural poverty in the U.S. She was the author of numerous articles and two books; Poverty in Rural America (1981) and Endangered Spaces, Enduring Places: Change, Identity, and Survival in Rural America (1991). In addition to her extensive research she was a distinguished teacher, recognized with a Dana Teaching Award in 1988. In her memory family, friends and colleagues established the endowment titled “The Janet Fitchen Student Development Fund” to support anthropology students at Ithaca College.
Please review the attached application form, procedures, eligibility requirements, and deadlines for these funding opportunities. Students should speak to their advisors about their research projects and possibilities for funding. Fitchen funds can be used to cover conference fees and registration fees, airfare or other travel costs (personal vehicle mileage reimbursement up to 180 miles), meals, lodging, etc.
Professional Development and Research Grant
The Fund may be used to defray the cost of attending conferences or workshops that increase a student’s engagement in anthropology. Depending on the level of funding each year, the Fund will provide at least $150-200 toward attendance. If a student presents a paper at a conference, the award will be at the higher end of the scale. Students may also use the Fund to purchase equipment or materials that will advance their research interests. The maximum amount that can be used is $75. Students are eligible to apply for these grants no more than once per academic year, but a student may be awarded both. Priority will be given to students who did not receive funding in the previous year. The Anthropology Program encourages you to seek out other sources of funding as well, like the H&S Educational Grant Initiative (EGI). Please visit www.ithaca.edu/hs/awards_and_honors/awardsgrants/ for more information.
Deadline: September 30 and October 31 (Fall) and February 28 and March 30 (Spring) [deadline subject to change]
Procedures for Submitting a Request for Funding: Students are responsible for filling out the attached application form and materials, a copy of the conference paper abstract (if applicable), and budget to the Anthropology Program Coordinator by the deadline.
Fitchen Fund Application Checklist
*Attach this checklist to the front of your application.
Name: Date:
Type of Funding/Award Request:
_____ Professional Development or Research Grant
_____ Fitchen Paper Award
_____ Fitchen Service Award